By Telesha Ramnarine
GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has accused top officers of the City Constabulary of sweeping matters of sexual harassment under the carpet, and of “picking and choosing” whom they want to dismiss.A visibly upset Chase-Green said she cannot understand what is happening in the constabulary department, as her desk is piled up with complaints of how senior officers treat members of the public and even of the constabulary.
“It’s unfortunate that the city constabulary chooses who they want to dismiss, and some matters of sexual harassment are being placed under the carpet. I have difficulties with that; serious difficulties!” the mayor exclaimed.
Chase-Green raised the matter in the context of the dismissal of Lance Corporal Clifton Pellew, after an allegation was made against him. The mayor is contending that this officer was dismissed without observing the rules of natural justice.
“He was dismissed by this council without natural justice, without an orderly-room hearing, and the matter was referred to the national police. To date, this officer has not been charged. I have been asking for all of the reports on this matter. I am going to say quite clearly that anyone can be dismissed from this council, but there must be natural justice for everyone. You don’t pick and choose who you want to dismiss in this council. Everyone must be given a fair hearing,” she declared.

Even as this treatment is meted out to this officer, Chase-Green called to mind how last July 7, four constables standing in Water Street uttered the most dirty abuse to each other while in the public’s domain. “I have not heard any charges laid against them.”

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Then she brought up the issue of a female officer who made a report of sexual harassment. “The matter was brought to my attention. Suddenly, I hear apology was made and everything back to normal. Unacceptable! I will not sit here for any sexual harassment matter to go under the table. It must be dealt with. What is wrong with this constabulary department!” Chase-Green chided.
DEMANDING BRIBES
Meanwhile, just recently, when a team from City Hall, including Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, visited Stabroek Market, top officials of the constabulary were embarrassed by vendors who pointed them out for demanding bribes.
“Look he deh right deh. Meh give he $5000,” one vendor told the team while pointing to the officer. Numerous complaints were reportedly received on the issue of bribery. The officers who were pointed out simply turned their faces and didn’t respond.
Vendors complained of having to pay $1,000 and sometimes $2,000 to the constabulary officers on a weekly basis.
In fact, vendors at the various markets in Georgetown have long been complaining about the harassment they regularly experience at the hands of city constables. However, many of them prefer not to make reports of these instances as they claim those in higher authority also accept bribes. “So how you gon try the devil case in hell?” one vendor had said.
A few months ago, scores of vendors who had turned up at a City Hall meeting accused officers of the City Constabulary of making their lives miserable when they refuse to pay them bribes.
The names of several officers, who create problems for vendors who do not want to pay them, were called. In fact, one vendor complained that the stall owners are not able to open their businesses on some occasions, if they have no money to pay on that day.
The mayor had chided those vendors who pay bribes, but complain only when they experience a problem. “The constables don’t push their hands in your pocket,” Chase-Green had remarked.